

Transitioning from a military career to entrepreneurship is a journey marked by courage, determination and grit. As veterans embark on this new path, one of the critical challenges they often face is securing the capital needed to turn their business ideas into reality.
While you can use savings, small business loans or veteran business grants to start or grow your business, I recommend applying for every startup competition or small business contest you can find. It will help you hone your message and offer, build confidence, get the word about your idea, and, if all goes well, help you land some of the capital you need
A startup competition, sometimes called a pitch contest, is an exciting way for veterans to raise funds to launch or grow their ventures. As a veteran entrepreneur who has entered and won competitions, I can share firsthand how these events can help you raise capital, gain exposure and propel your entrepreneurial dreams forward.
Startup competitions are events where entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of judges, which often include investors, industry experts and mentors. These contests provide a platform for veterans to showcase their innovative business concepts, get valuable feedback and compete for funding. By participating in pitch contests, you can connect with potential investors interested in supporting your venture. You also might find customers or discover new ideas for target markets, product or service features or people to join your team.
The following are veteran-focused contests I recommend. Also, watch for opportunities in your local community or region. If an application deadline has passed, consider attending to familiarize yourself with the competition process.
There are other opportunities to pitch your veteran-owned business to investors that don’t necessarily come with a monetary prize but are well worth your time. The education and networking opportunities are invaluable, and the new connections you make at these events could lead to new funding sources for your business. Here are a few of my recommendations for veteran business owners:
As you explore these options and others, check each contest's eligibility criteria, application deadlines and prize details. (Unlike veteran business grants, which generally have no strings attached, business competitions may require winners to offer company equity or achieve milestones to receive the full contest award.) Don’t wait until the last minute to apply—many of these pitch contests require applications that can take more time than you think. You’ll also want to leave plenty of time to build and practice your pitch.
Your pitch deck and story should be about you, your business and the opportunity for investors. Focus on the problem your business solves, your solution, target market, revenue model, team and growth potential. Highlight your military experience and how it has uniquely prepared you to overcome challenges and drive your business forward. I highly recommend the book “Get Backed” by Evan Baehr and Evan Loomis to help you prepare your presentation deck.
Crafting a compelling pitch is essential to capture the attention of judges and investors. Here are my top three suggestions:
Pitch contests aren’t just about winning; they’re about exposure and growing your network. You’ll likely meet investors that you’re too early for but could be ideal at your series A or later stage. Whether you win or lose, these contests are about building relationships within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Connect with fellow veteran business owners, judges, investors and mentors. Networking can lead to future collaborations, partnerships and investment opportunities beyond the contest.
I’m proud to share that I won The Veteran Fund $100,000 Veteran Pitch contest in 2022. This contest helped put my startup on the map and helped me get accepted to the PenFed VEIP spring 2023 cohort. I also recently participated in Bunker Labs’ San Diego community. I met several investors and potential customers and enjoyed the camaraderie I miss most from my four years in the U.S. Navy.
If I can do it, you can do it. Veterans can accomplish anything we set our minds to.
Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures. The company's performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork, and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a majority-owned subsidiary of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR's investment capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR's parent company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR).
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